Notes: The man, the myth, the legend that is David Shelley Duncan is back with the Yankees and hitting sixth. He was, as you might imagine, quite excited. We shook hands and it still hurts. … No word yet on the corresponding move but I would guess Chris Britton’s stay is over. … The Yankees are facing lefty Jeremy Sowers. … That’s quite a bench today: Abreu, Cano, Posada and Matsui. Those four make more than some teams.

Back later with updates.

UPDATE, 2:45 p.m.: In a bit of a surprise, the Yankees optioned LHP Billy Traber to Scranton. It certainly was deserved given his poor performance this season. The final straw was last was when he walked Grady Sizemore with two outs then barely paid attention as he stole second. He then scored on a single. If you can steal second on a lefty that easily, something has to be done.

Now the Yankees have a bullpen without a lefty or a long reliever.

UPDATE, 3:17 p.m.: Kevin Long is doing the lineup intros on Fox – much to the delight of Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada. Shelley Duncan also interrupted with a few whoops.

As for the NFL Draft: I hope the Patriots trade the No. 7 pick and go down the board to take the DB McKelvin from Troy State. But if they do stay at 7, it better be for Gholston, McFadden or Dorsey.

UPDATE, 3:26 p.m.: Joba has a hamstring problem, the result of slipping off the mound in Chicago on Thursday night. He was not available yesterday. Joe Girardi said the injury doe not impact how he will be used. Whether that is true or not, I have no idea. It has become fairly evident in a short time that Girardi will play loose with the truth about injuries. He said that Bruney’s MRI showed no structural damage. Well, execept for the fractured ligament that will require surgery and keep him out for the season.

UPDATE, 4:24 p.m.: Was that really a hit and run with Giambi and Molina?

UPDATE, 5:28 p.m.: Though the 4th inning today, Ian Kennedy has now thrown 17 complete innings this season. He has retired the side in order four times.

UPDATE, 6:01 p.m.: The Yankees were 0 for 6 with RISP until Posada delivered there.

UPDATE, 6:04 p.m.: So what are we to make of that outing by Ian Kennedy? He finished up strong. But he allowed three runs on four hits and three walks in the first two innings and threw 57 pitches. He needed 105 pitches to get through five innings, which is way too many. But I’d say he should stay in the rotation. If you’re going to develop your pitchers, stick to it.

UPDATE, 6:15 p.m.: The Attorney General saved LaTroy Hawkins there. What an inning that was. Meanwhile, where was Giambi going when he broke toward second?

UPDATE, 6:35 p.m.: The Yankees are playing with fire here, using Hawkins for a second straight inning. Does this indicate that Farnsworth (elbow) and Chamberlain (hamstring) are out?

UPDATE, 6:48 p.m.: Now Farnsworth is in. This should be interesting.

UPDATE, 6:50 p.m.: That’s three straight innings the Yankees have walked the leadoff hitter. That has to come back and get a team eventually.

UPDATE, 6:54 p.m.: Brutal call there by Derryl Cousins as Cano juggled the ball. The question now is whether Carroll will steal second.

UPDATE, 7:00 p.m.: It’s time to get a lead and get Mo in the game. I don’t know how much longer they can walk a tightrope with this bullpen.

UPDATE, 7:08 p.m.: First and third, one out. Now is the time with Jeter and A-Rod up. The Yankees are a 2 for 12 with RISP to his point. They’re overdue.

UPDATE, 7:11 p.m.: Wow, that’s brutal. Jeter stung the ball — right into a DP. … Now Ohlendorf is in. I guess Joba is not available. This game could be over fast.

UPDATE, 7:19 p.m.: This is either a game-ending hit or an inning-ending DP.

UPDATE, 7:20 p.m.: Or a wild pitch. Might as well walk Hafner now.

UPDATE, 7:21 p.m.: Same thing as Hafner, Martinez either wins it or we go on.

UPDATE, 7:22 p.m.: That’s the game. You can’t walk nine batters and expect to win many games. That’s three straight losses and a 3-5 road trip so far. Back later with some updates from the clubhouse.